We know that prayer is an essential part of our daily lives, but around the holidays, things can become a little lax. Not because we don’t want to pray, but sometimes because we are extremely busy with all the things that need to be done. Soon, we will enter the season of Thanksgiving, and this is the perfect time for us to give thanks and get our prayer lives back on track if we have faltered in this area of our lives. Here are some ways to incorporate prayer into your Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Importance of Gratitude in Prayer
One of the most important things to remember when praying is to start with Thanksgiving. Sometimes it can be easy for us to get caught up in the “gimmies” in our prayer lives. Please give me a new job. Give me patience with my boss and coworkers. Lord, please give me a new car so I don’t have to worry about getting from point A to point B. It’s easy for us to get caught up in what we need instead of being thankful for what we have and where we are in our lives.
Setting the Tone: Creating a Sacred Space
In order to usher more prayer into our Thanksgiving season, we need to create a sacred space for this to happen. Some ways to set up a sacred space with the perfect tone include;
- Select the ideal location: Choose a spot that feels right to you and is free from distractions and noise. It could be an empty walk-in closet, a corner of your bedroom, or your finished basement.
- Declutter and pray: Take some time to clear all clutter from this area and clean it to create a tranquil atmosphere. Getting rid of clutter will also help clear your mind. When you are done, pray and ask God to help make this a fruitful place for talking and hearing from him.
- Add meaningful symbols: Include symbols that hold personal significance for you, such as a cross or a photo of a Loved One.
- Add nature: Not everyone can do this due to curious kids and pets, but if you are able, consider adding some houseplants to this space. Nature has a natural calming effect. Note: If you have children and pets, conduct thorough research on which plants are safe for both pets and children.
- Lighting: Add a bright, warm glow with illumination.
- Add some soft textures: Grab a throw blanket to cuddle up with or a small pillow to put behind your back as you sit and pray.
- Calming scents: You could also add a diffuser with a calming scent to help you relax and focus.
- Establish a routine: Make sure you spend time in this prayer space every day.
Different Types of Prayers for Thanksgiving
There are many kinds of prayers we can pray this Thanksgiving.
- Traditional Thanksgiving Prayers: This is the prayer we recite around the Thanksgiving table. Example: “Dear Lord, thank you for this day and the people around this table. I’m so thankful for my family, this meal, and the blessings you have given each of us this year.”
- Informal prayers: These are more personal and have a heartfelt approach. They don’t have any structure, and they come up randomly, allowing individuals to express their feelings and thanks in their own words: Example: “I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had this year despite the divorce I’m going through and for my friends, family, and God for standing by me every step of the way.”
- Family Blessings: These are prayers that focus on family, emphasizing family bonding and love. Example: “Before we watch the game, let’s take a few moments to appreciate our time together, being grateful for each other’s company and laughter, and for the close bonds we all share.”
- Gratitude Journals: This is a great way to start a journal of all your prayers this season and how God answers them.
- Intercessory Prayers: These are the prayers we offer on behalf of others who are facing challenges this Thanksgiving season. You can pray a general prayer, such as one for all the homeless people in your area, or you can pray specifically for people you know. Example: "Lord, as we celebrate this day of gratitude, we request you shower your blessings on those who are less fortunate or facing challenges in other aspects of their lives." Draw close to them and bring them your peace and comfort. Amen.
- Children’s Prayers: It’s also essential to involve your children, so take some time to pray with them every day.
Incorporating Family Traditions in Prayer
This Thanksgiving, take some time to decide where prayer will fit into your day. Most people pray over the enormous meal, but there are also other times when prayer is appropriate.
For example, praying for your guests as they travel to your home, praying together with your guests before watching football, and scattering to different areas of the house after dinner, all while praying for your guests before they leave. Praying at these specific times on Thanksgiving Day will mark the start of a new tradition this year.
There are many benefits to this, including;
- Strengthening relationships
- Creating lasting memories
- Instilling values
- Fostering spiritual growth
Guided Prayers: Leading the Family in Thanksgiving
Leading your family in prayer can enhance this sacred time and foster stronger family bonds. Before leading your family, consider the following;
- Set the Atmosphere: Choose a quiet, comfortable space to pray in.
- Gather your family: Ensure everyone can participate by sitting in a circle, holding hands, or arranging seating in a circle or horseshoe formation. This way, everyone can see each other as they pray and share.
- Open the floor: Invite your family to share what they are thankful for before you lead them in prayer. This allows everyone to share and deepens emotional resonance.
- Encourage participation: Invite your family members to join you in prayer and share their own prayer requests as well.
Encouraging Personal Reflection During Prayer
As you pray together with your family, encourage them to reflect personally on prayer. Talk about how each family member incorporates prayer into their daily life, lift prayer requests, and talk about different prayers that God has answered. Some things to keep in mind before you get started:
- Create a sacred space: Choose a comfortable place for everyone.
- Set your intentions: Take a moment to clarify what you hope to achieve during this period. Clarifying intentions will help make your reflection more meaningful.
- Use Guided Reflections: Find a guided prayer about a specific topic to get you started. This will help everyone reflect on various themes, such as love, compassion, and forgiveness.
- Embrace silence: After everyone has had a chance to express their thoughts and feelings, take some quiet time to reflect.
- Integrate scripture: Choose some scriptures to provide a reflective foundation for prayer.
Making Prayer a Year-Round Practice: Beyond Thanksgiving
Showing gratitude and prayer on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving isn’t the only time we should pray. We need to make prayer a daily practice, both as individuals and as a family. How can we do this amid our busy lives?
- Establish a routine: Choose a time that works best for you and your family to gather and pray.
- Create a prayer space: Set aside a designated area for prayer.
- Use guided prayers and resources: Choose a book, app, or website to help you begin your prayer journey or to guide you if you feel stuck and don’t know what to pray.
- Incorporate various forms of prayer: Praying doesn’t always have to be vocalized. You can also meditate, write in a journal, engage in silent reflection, or sing or listen to hymns.
- Put prayer on your calendar: Keep your daily appointment with God as you would a doctor, dentist, or other necessary appointment.
- Join a prayer group. This will help when you need to lean on others, and there is strength in numbers. Having a community also helps overcome challenges when praying.
- Pray for others: Don’t forget to pray for others before you pray for yourself.
There are many ways to incorporate prayer into your Thanksgiving celebrations, which will help draw everyone closer together.
photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
